Launch Fees

3/30/20 @ 10:00 AM

ORIGNAL POST

FISHING REPORT

GRANDAD
User since 6/1/09

Any suggestions for local communities to reduce or eliminate launching fees for Lakes in Wi. Also have found signs on some lakes stating ANY CRAFT launching fees! That should eliminate claims by kayaker’s or canoe fishermen that they can launch for free!

with all the prices associated with enjoying a simple outdoor sport, I hate launch fees. you travel out of town, support the local businesses, then get to the ramp, and still more fees. they keep with fee after fee, and want us to keep thinking its good for the right to enjoy the sport, so we buy right into it no matter what they keep charging us. I thought boat ramps, and lake management was controlled thru purchasing a license, and other taxes associated with outdoor sports.

4/3/20 @ 5:48 PM

FISHING REPORT

GRANDAD
User since 6/1/09

I started this thread because TV fishing shows say Minnesota a has NO Launch fees!Says a lot what they think of their fishermen!Personally I am not against reasonable launch fees.Some are getting out of line.In Milwaukee,South Shore is a Dump, McKinely is a zoo,and Bender is a crap shoot to get in and out at times.Along with lakes in Walworth Cty. Some of most expensive in the area $11.25 at last count.Private places can charge whatever they want,it is their business.Places I go up State , $3-$5 very reasonable! They value the fishermen and the money the generate for the local economy.From what I see in the responses about other craft, most agree, if you are using the resource pay the fee, plain and simple .

4/3/20 @ 10:25 AM

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phishin phool
MEMBER since 4/5/08

I thought this thread might be interesting? Started on page 3 and got disgusted. Sounded too much like rifle hunters against crossbow users.

4/3/20 @ 9:17 AM

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Flyrod Man
User since 8/13/09

DNR landings - no fee. County landings-fee's to maintain, no money anymore from the state so they say. Times are changing. Prices vary with counties.

4/2/20 @ 9:59 PM

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262 Fishing
User since 8/10/18

For the bad launches, I try to remember to actually check the condition before launching so I can be aware of any holes to avoid and pick a different lane if available.

We can also do our part by not power loading our boats onto the trailer. All that prop wash blows the bottom out, causing the holes in the first place. I realize that doesn't help the argument for kayakers paying for the damage motors do, but we can all help maintain the area. Clean your garbage, carpool from a meet point, use the winch instead of the motor, etc. And if you see an issue, contact whoever controls the launch so it can be addressed. They can't fix problems they don't know about.

4/2/20 @ 6:51 PM

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One shot one kill
MEMBER since 8/12/02

As long as the launch is well maintained . Years back I launched at the west end of Pewaukee . When I backed the trailer in after fishing one tire fell into a hole underwater and snapped of my bunk .

4/2/20 @ 1:27 PM

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badgerstatehunter
User since 2/6/06

I'm from La Crosse and this year they went to having to pay a fee or permit simply to park at a boat ramp. I get why they did it, as in Summer many park at boat landings to meet friends and lots get full. The thing is this is year round so for instance ice fishing season you would need a permit to park in a lot, which I don't really see the need for. I paid the yearly pass fee even though I don't have a boat as I figured if I use it 4 or more times it would be worth it, either ice fishing, launching my kayak, or meeting a friend at the landing, but I can see this being an issue at times of year.

4/2/20 @ 11:16 AM

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Fishlovme
MEMBER since 6/22/01

Kayaks use the facilities just as much as someone launching a boat. So what if they don't place their trailer into the water, they're still using the same area as the boats! Most lakes around me have a "lake access fee" not a "boat launch fee" and I think that's the way it should be! Pay to park your vehicle and use the facilities, whether you're launching a boat, kayak, canoe, 30 foot boat or an 8 foot boat. It costs money to keep the facilities up and I think it's very reasonable to pay a few bucks. Even in the winter time at the lakes near me you still have to pay. You're parking your vehicle and accessing the lake there, that's fair to charge a fee for that!

4/2/20 @ 10:04 AM

FISHING REPORT

CrawlerHarness
User since 10/10/17

Doesn't sound like there are many people here who have a problem with fees for launching/parking. That is good in my opinion.

We aren't looking to spend more of our hard earned $$, but I think we can all agree a good boat launch with ample parking and maintained restrooms is worth paying for.

4/2/20 @ 5:28 AM

FISHING REPORT

SnakeSter
MEMBER since 7/9/12

I don’t like high fees only because I’ve seen them go up slowly throughout my life. But you better not forget your fishing pole, gas, and cash for launch. It’s just part of your planning for fishing.